Krum Garkov - Executive Consultant,

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Work Background

Ministry of InteriorSenior advisor of the Minister of Interior of Republic of Bulgaria

Jun. 2023 - Sep. 2024BulgariaMy areas of responsibility included digitalization of public administration and accession of Bulgaria in Schengen area.

Council of MinistersMember of the Cabinet of the Prime Minister of Republic of Bulgaria

Jun. 2023 - Apr. 2024Sofia, BulgariaMy areas of responsibility included digitalization of public administration and accession of Bulgaria in Schengen area.

European Agency for Operational Management of large-scale IT systems (eu-LISA)Executive Director

Nov. 2012 - Nov. 2022Tallinn, EstoniaResponsible for setting up, manage and grow a new European agency from ground zero, including planning of the budget of the agency, acquiring staff and establishing operational and corporate governance processes. The agency provides critical services for internal security, border management and migration management in the EU ( i.e. managing the Schengen Information System, the Visa Information System, the EURODAC information system). The Agency is also responsible for the implementation of the new EU information architecture for border management and internal security that includes number of new large-scale IT systems such as Entry-Exit System (EES), European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) and others as well as contribute substantially for the digitalization of the Justice policy domain. Major contributions · Built, lead and managed an organization of 400+ staff and 400+ external contractors · Established required internal processes to enable smooth delivery of the mandate of the agency · Established transparent and trustful relationship with the European institutions i.e. The Council, The European Parliament and the European Commission as well as with the relevant political partners at national level · Established and maintained trustful and transparent relationship with the Management Board of eu-LISA and the other governance bodies of the Agency · Led development, implementation and follow-up of the long- term strategy of the agency, operating model, organizational structure and stakeholder management, communication and sourcing strategies · Drove implementation of internal control framework and key corporate processes (e.g. activity-based planning, budget management, procurement and contract management, ex-ante evaluations, etc.) · Established and lead a comprehensive organizational transformation program to implement new organizational structure, operating model and processes to enable the Agency to deliver its new mandate · Established relevant corporate and operational KPIs in the organization to facilitate sound governance and financial management · Turned eu-LISA into a key player in the digital transformation in Justice and Home Affairs domain. · Contributed to preparation of key EU legislative proposals such as the AI Act, Interoperability Regulations and others.

Experian Ltd.Operations Director

Sep. 2007 - Oct. 2012Sofia/London, BulgariaCommand all operations of delivery centre for the decision analytics division to ensure alignment of technology solutions with overall business objectives across Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India (EMEAI). Oversee 5 teams with a combined staff of 90+ to facilitate business analysis, technical analysis, software development, application support, project management, and knowledge transfer functions for implementation of specialized solution for financial institutions globally. Provide business development and sales support. Mentor, coach, and evaluate staff. Manage client relationships and resolve escalating customer issues. Major Contributions: • Launched delivery center, growing business unit from a staff of 3 to more than 90 driving staff development as part of Service delivery organization • Established internal operation & governance processes to stream line execution of tasks and achievement of business targets • Led process of recruitment of staff as well a implementation of retention and recognition programs in house • Cut project delivery time by 25% through streamlining processes and implementing an efficient framework • Implemented a knowledge management platform in the delivery organization • Slashed delivery costs by 20% Earned recognition among 8 managers company-wide as a Future Business Leader.

Hewlett-PackardProgram manager

Jun. 2006 - Aug. 2007Brussels, BelgiumDirected all phases of major program initiatives including a large-scale data centre consolidation and application portfolio consolidation and integration. Drove workflow processes in collaboration with project management and subject matter expert teams of 21. Allocated budgetary resources, managed client relationships, and liaised with stakeholders. Major Contributions: • Led a successful $22M initiative to consolidate more than 100 date centres into 2, effectively executing 5 project phases. • Drove a $19M application portfolio consolidation and integration to improve client efficiency while decreasing overall costs. • Selected to spearhead large-scale initiatives for a key $500M+ account. • Facilitated excellent cross-cultural communications, serving as liaison with client team members across Europe, Australia and Asia.

National Revenue AgencyDirector-General in Information Technologies

Jan. 2003 - May. 2006Sofia, BulgariaSpearheaded IT strategy development and daily operations to optimize technology performance in alignment with infrastructure requirements of government’s revenue collection authority. Developed and implemented policies and procedures. Managed budgets, procured resources, and negotiated contracts with vendors. Designed large-scale technology programs, projects, and business processes. Headed a general directorate with a management team of 5 directors with 250+ indirect reports. Major Contributions: • Re-designed IT organization of NRA to address shifting business needs • Delivered several successful initiatives, including implementation of a new core revenue management system and infrastructure country-wide • Drive implementation of a portfolio of e-services for the citizens and businesses recognized as best practice in the EU • Acted as part of the senior management team driving organizational transformation and efficiency • Led agency to receive recognition as a first-class ICT organization by revamped corporate ICT strategy • Recognized by Minister of Finance based on performance excellence • Recognized as one of the most promising ICT managers in Public sector.

Center for Mass PrivatizationDeputy Executive Director

Dec. 1996 - Dec. 2002Sofia, BulgariaManaged information technology strategy and operations, including hardware and software budgeting and procurement. Orchestrated project initiatives, managed vendor relationships and developed and implemented technology solutions in alignment with business needs. Major Contributions: • Facilitated the establishment of Bulgaria’s stock exchange by successfully implementing key projects. • Served on original management team that launched organization.